RESEARCH MATTERS
1/3/2012 4:29PM By Mitch Heisler
Here at Wyffels we know that there is no second chance, no redo when it comes to a corn crop. The fact is the average farmer will have about 40 chances to do it right the first time. That is why we make providing you with the best possible hybrids in the industry a priority. Dr. Fritz Behr and his team of 6 Product Development Managers (PDM) have used their close to 150 years of experience to create one of the most extensive and progressive research programs in the seed industry.
With a significant number of research sites all across the heart of the Corn Belt, we have a research program that will rival any of our larger competitors. We do this because we know the importance of not only bringing the best hybrids to the market, but also knowing how they will perform on the varying soils and conditions that they will be subjected to. We go the extra mile to make sure that we know as much about these hybrids as possible.
Not just any hybrid can earn the privilege of having the “W” in its name. As an independent company, outside of our own breeding program, we also have the ability to access traits, technologies, and germplasms from multiple sources worldwide. This allows us to create hybrids that are truly unique and proprietary. Our PDMs along with the entire Research Team spend a lot of time in the fields to see how all of the hybrids are reacting to ups and downs we have become accustomed to here in the Corn Belt. It would not be a stretch to say they know these hybrids like the back of their hands. After multiple years of proving itself up against the leading hybrids in the industry, then and only then, will a hybrid have the opportunity to earn its “W”.
It doesn’t stop there. As you all know, there are a lot of choices out there. As we are working to develop leading hybrids, we are also evaluating the multiple options available to protect it. Now, we aren’t in the business of pushing traits or seed treatments; we are in the business of giving corn growers the best possible product on the market today. We conduct unbiased evaluations of seed traits and treatments available to make sure that we deliver. We are also continually looking at new products and evaluating whether we should bring them into our lineup. If there is a product out there that can make corn growers more money, we want it to be a part of what we offer.
So, why do we do this? The answer is quite simple, really. We are in business to give corn growers the best return for their seed investment. When our customers are successful, we are successful. We don’t have to answer to investors, shareholders, or quarterly balance sheets. We answer to YOU, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
